Gates

The site usually picks the gate before the design does.

A short or sloping driveway points to a sliding gate. A level entrance with room for the leaves to travel may suit a swing gate. Settle the opening and how it is used, then choose the pattern.

• Plain, slatted or laser-cut gate faces
• Pedestrian gates prepared for electric locks, intercoms and keypads
• Steel for rigidity, aluminium for lower weight and less rust
• The gate design can carry through to fencing and privacy panels

Which one do I need?

• A doorway you want to leave open for air: a trellis door folds away to one side.
• A single doorway with room to swing a door: a hinged burglar door, the swing type of trellis door.
• A doorway or patio with side space but no swing space: a sliding security gate.
• A window: burglar bars, fixed, welded or clear.
• A driveway: a driveway gate, swing, sliding, or sliding-and-turning for a short side run.
• A side passage or garden wall: a garden gate.
• A room for valuables or records: a strongroom door.

Measure before you design

A sliding gate needs a clear run beside the entrance. A swing gate needs clear travel through its arc. Also check wind exposure, traffic and where walls, columns and footpaths sit. Most gate problems start when the mechanism does not suit the site.

Pedestrian and garden gates

Pedestrian Gates are built for controlled walking access, so locks, brackets and cable routes are planned before fabrication. Garden gates lean more towards everyday separation and looks, with a proper frame, latch and fixing.

What affects the price?

Each gate is quoted to the measured opening, with frame, infill, finish, locking and automation priced as one specification. Comparing two quotes only makes sense when all of those are listed. For worked examples and the cost drivers, read what a security gate costs in South Africa.

Finish and care

Choose powder coating, sandblast and primer, electroplating or hot-dip galvanising. The paint warranty runs from one to five years depending on the finish, and galvanising adds rust cover of up to ten years inland. The full table is on the warranty page.

Keep moving parts clear and look after coated surfaces as the product instructions say.